Secare Caput - Cut the Head

In the tapestry of human history, the threads of spirituality, religion, and warrior castes are intricately interwoven, forming a rich fabric that has shaped civilizations and cultures across epochs. At the heart of this tapestry lies a profound paradox: the juxtaposition of the warrior, whose valor is forged on the battlefield, and the monk, whose journey is one of inner contemplation and spiritual awakening. Yet, it is within this paradox that we find a profound truth – the importance of embracing both the art of war and the path of inner transformation.

To understand the significance of spirituality and religion in connection with warrior castes, one must delve into the annals of history, where tales of heroism and enlightenment intertwine. From ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans to the samurai of feudal Japan, the warrior class has always held a special place in society, tasked with defending their people and upholding noble virtues.

In many cultures, spirituality and religion were deeply ingrained in the ethos of the warrior caste. Warriors often saw themselves not only as defenders of their people but also as enactors of divine will. In ancient Greece, warriors invoked the blessings of the gods before battle, seeking divine guidance and protection. Similarly, the samurai of Japan adhered to Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior," which was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and Shintoism, emphasizing honor, loyalty, and self-discipline.

However, the path of the warrior was not solely defined by martial prowess and battlefield glory. Beneath the armor and swords lay a quest for something deeper – a journey of the soul. Many warrior traditions recognized the importance of inner transformation and spiritual enlightenment alongside the rigors of combat. The samurai, for example, practiced zazen meditation to cultivate inner peace and clarity amidst the chaos of war.

The convergence of spirituality and the warrior ethos is perhaps best exemplified in the concept of the warrior monk – an archetype found in various cultures throughout history. Warrior monks were individuals who straddled the realms of martial prowess and spiritual wisdom, embodying the synthesis of strength and enlightenment.

One notable example is the Shaolin monks of ancient China, renowned for their martial arts prowess and spiritual discipline. For the Shaolin, combat was not merely a physical endeavor but a form of spiritual practice, a means of attaining enlightenment through the mastery of the body and mind. Through rigorous training in martial arts and meditation, Shaolin monks sought to transcend the ego and achieve a state of oneness with the universe.

Similarly, in medieval Europe, the Knights Templar embodied the dual ideals of chivalry and spirituality. Founded as a military order tasked with protecting pilgrims in the Holy Land, the Templars embraced a life of asceticism and devotion, blending the roles of warrior and monk in service to a higher cause.

The importance of being a warrior but also a monk lies in the recognition that true strength comes not only from physical prowess but from inner fortitude and spiritual resilience. The art of war, when imbued with spiritual wisdom, becomes a sacred dance – a means of self-transcendence and enlightenment.

Moreover, the inner transformation undergone by warrior monks is not only a personal journey but also a catalyst for societal change. By embodying the virtues of courage, compassion, and wisdom, warrior monks serve as beacons of inspiration, guiding others on the path towards a more harmonious and enlightened existence.

In the modern world, where conflicts rage and the human spirit is often tested, the lessons of spirituality and religion in connection with warrior castes remain as relevant as ever. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, we would do well to heed the wisdom of our ancestors – to embrace both the sword and the sutra, the shield and the shrine.

In the modern era, the concept of the warrior monk finds new resonance as individuals seek to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of modern warrior training programs, where the synthesis of combat skills and spiritual practice is being embraced as a holistic approach to personal development and societal protection.

A modern-day warrior protector – an individual who embodies the ideals of courage, compassion, and spiritual resilience, while honing their skills in combat. In contemporary warrior training programs, such as those found in special operations units, a comprehensive curriculum is designed to cultivate both the outer and inner dimensions of the warrior ethos. Tribe 13 is promoting the same idea.

A typical modern warrior training program integrates a wide range of combat disciplines, including knife skills, firearms tactics, hand-to-hand combat, and trauma medicine. Protectors must undergo rigorous training programs and simulation exercises to develop the necessary skills and mindset for protecting themselves and others in high-stress situations.

However, what sets these modern programs apart is their emphasis on inner transformation alongside combat proficiency. Individuals are encouraged to engage in regular prayer, meditation, and other spiritual practices as part of their training regimen. These practices serve not only to foster mental resilience and emotional stability but also to cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and connection to something greater than oneself.

For example, in a modern warrior training program, participants may begin each day with a period of meditation and reflection, setting their intentions for the day ahead and cultivating a mindset of clarity and focus. Throughout the training, moments of quiet contemplation and prayer are interspersed with physical exertion, providing opportunities for participants to integrate the lessons of the battlefield with the insights of the soul.

Moreover, spiritual practices such as mindfulness and breath-work are incorporated into combat training exercises, helping participants to stay grounded and centered amidst the chaos of combat. By learning to maintain a calm and focused presence under pressure, warriors are better equipped to make clear-headed decisions and respond effectively to dynamic and unpredictable situations.

In addition to individual spiritual practices, modern warrior training programs may also include collective rituals and ceremonies aimed at fostering camaraderie, unity, and shared purpose among participants. Whether through group meditation sessions, communal prayers, or ceremonies, these rituals serve to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among warriors, reminding them that they are part of something larger than themselves.

Ultimately, the goal of modern warrior training programs is not only to produce skilled fighters but also to cultivate virtuous leaders who embody the highest ideals of the warrior monk archetype. By integrating combat training with spiritual practice, these programs seek to empower individuals to become not only protectors of their communities but also beacons of light and inspiration in a world often shrouded in darkness.

In conclusion, the example of a modern-day warrior training program illustrates the potential for integrating the art of war with inner transformation, creating a new generation of warrior monks poised to navigate the complexities of the modern world with courage, compassion, and spiritual resilience. As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, may we draw inspiration from the ancient wisdom of the warrior monk archetype and forge a path of strength and enlightenment for generations to come.

Below I will share with you a type of spiritual practice, visualization meditation exercise that I perform it in a static position or when I train with the knife.

The name of this practice is "Secare Caput"

The purpose of this type of practice is to combine mind and body training and to “cut” our ego, tame our internal “demons”. This initiatory system therefore carries out the function of making aware and realizing those psychological, cultural, moral and cognitive attributes, characteristic and distinctive of the warrior.

"Secare" literally means to “cut”, but it in reference to “cutting the ego” represented by the word Caput(head or skull). Another meaning is “cutting attachment”.

The warriors must not forget about the inner transformation. Without this, warriors could easily pass the illusory line that separates right from wrong.

This meditation technique is an adaptation of an ancient tradition. It is an modification of a ritualistic meditation using visualization and chanting to invoke a Deity. This practice is known under the name "Chod" which has its origins in shamanic traditions of Hindu, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism and Bon. 

Chod practitioners visualize in a series of techniques, in front of them their own body like a corpse, dead. Mentally they begin to cut the body piece by piece, limb from limb. Finally the body will be give as offerings to a protective deity. The process is more complex. The goal behind this practice is to cut the Ego. We are so attached to our body, we invest so much time and energy in it that finally he is devoured by worms. We forget to focus energy on our mind and spirit. The carving and cutting represent the symbolical death of the ego and attachment to this body. It is a very subtle process at psychological level.

In many ancient traditions deities were depicted with their head cut off and this was symbolizing the death of the Ego.

CUT THE HEAD - Meditation Technique

In ancient spiritual traditions for every negative emotion is assigned a color (anger- red, yellow-jealousy, greed-green, etc.) You can assign colors as desired. 

You start sitting in a meditation posture with the back erected and you begin to focus on the breathing. Visualize how the solar plexus center projects outside your body multiplied self's. You but in different colors . All these projections are actually your negative emotions. In fact during this action meditation you mentally fight with these emotions. Visualize how you cut hatred, jealousy, ignorance... is a continuously imaginary kata with many enemies, the most powerful and true enemies.

Chod "the cut of the head" means to cut our fears, our expectations. Training with the knife is not only a mechanically repetition of some technique for the body. With movement and with meditation you can reduce your thoughts, reduce your fears and expectations. We have a life, but nobody live , we create so many different lives, its not so difficult. The most difficult is to live your life. We have so many methods to create lives but we don't have a method to live our life. This mean that we need to live every moment. The tomorrow and the yesterday are the enemy's of the today! For me knife training applying Chod method means to cut the yesterday and the tomorrow. Cut illusion. To live means to be here and now, in present moment. If today you are not happy than you will not be. Tomorrow is only existing in your head, not existing in your heart. So my friends and brothers: Be in your heart! Cut your head!

This practice can be also static.